Annie 30th on itunes

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/3/08 at 7:53pm

It's a bit of a let down after the long wait, but for the most part it's wonderful. It's NOT the first ever complete recording as it claims. There's still a bit of musical material they left out that is actually included on the 1998 studio recording with Ron Raines and Ruthie Henshall. It does include "Why Should I Change a Thing?" on disc two which is the biggest treat for me as I've been wanting to hear that song again since seeing the tour in 2005.

It is the first recording that I know of to include all of the reprises of "Maybe" and the dialogue during "Tomorrow" as well as the full version of the White House reprise of "Tomorrow". There are some arbitrary omissions though, since it seems that they set out to record the entire score, and then didn't. The transition reprise of "We'd Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover" is not included nor is Warbucks' NYC reprise though as stated above both of these are included on the 1998 studio recording. They've also included, for the most part, the dialogue that takes place during any of the songs, but they didn't always record dialogue to set up some of the songs as was done on the 1998 studio recording and if you're a fan of dialogue like I am that's a bit of a let down.

For me, aside from "Why Should I Change a Thing?" the bonus material is pretty tame and clear as to why the songs were eventually cut or not included in the revised Annie Warbucks. Though it's still fun to hear some of the past stars of the show singing unpublished material. Overall, the cast is pretty good. The orchestrations are lively and it is the most complete recording if you only plan on owning one, but if you want to hear the full score you're still going to have to pick up the Original Broadway Cast recording and the 1998 studio cast recording. Though neither of those are complete they still include some material that this release does not. Updated On: 6/3/08 at 07:53 PM

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 12:19pm

Glad to read your thoughts, Cats.

I'm going to get the 30th Anniversary recording regardless, but I was just curious, do you think the studio recording with Ron Raines and Ruthie Henshall is worth picking up? I have the OBCR and the Motion Picture Soundtrack and will now be getting the 30th Anniversary recording, so I only want the studio cast recording if it's particularly enjoyable.

Thanks!

[morosco]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 12:35pm

I'm a bit disappointed with the recording. The orchestrations have been expanded upon and at times are just a bit too much. I think I prefer the OCR orchestrations as they are a bit more subtle. The OCR sounds theatrical...this recording sounds more like a film soundtrack.

I also think the narration by Carol Burnett is annoying.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 1:26pm

And I think the changes to the orchestrations are all for the better. The original production of Annie went from Goodspeed to the Kennedy Center to Broadway and its orchestra was enlarged, but really, no major re-scoring or re-voicing occurred. Additional instruments were just added. The changes in the 30th Anniversary recording add a lot more color. Give it a chance to get used to the different sound, and I think you'll start to prefer it.

[morosco]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 6:13pm

I understand what you are saying Smaxie
but
I listened all the way through again and I think the orchestrations have become just too Vegas sounding. It now sounds like a Streisand concert. Some of the mixing I have a problem with too. The drums seem to be too loud most of the time. The vocals are sometimes drowned out by the orchestra. The vocals need to be a little more "up front". This recording apparently had some 60 musicians? Does ANNIE really need 60 musicians? How about 25 - 30 instead?

I was pleasantly surprised at how good Kathie Lee Gifford is.

I'll keep listening and hopefully I'll warm up to it.